Peripheral arterial disease (PAD), also known as peripheral artery disease, is a common form of circulatory disorder where the supply of blood to the body is reduced through a narrowing of the arteries. Most times, someone with PAD will feel pain and numbness in the certain parts of the body, particularly the legs. If the PAD is left untreated, the patient will find it difficult to walk. Because PAD is the result of a build up of fatty acids in the system, the problem is not normally isolated just to the legs but can have long-term effects on blood flow to the heart, lungs and brain as well. Therefore, it is advisable, if you suffer from the symptoms of PAD, that you take a PAD screening test.
Ankle-Brachial Index
Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive test that can be administered by your physician. Essentially, an ankle-brachial index is a blood pressure reading. The doctor will test the blood pressure in both your ankle and your arm to find out if there is any variance. She may use a small ultrasound device with a normal blood pressure cuff to do this. They may also test you while exercising, normally some routine treadmill walking, to see how much the exercise constricts the arteries.
Ultrasound
The main problem with PAD is that it affects blood flow. This can lead to a higher mortality rate in people who have the disease. The doctor can use an ultrasound to check the interior circulation of blood and see if, and where, arteries are constricting.
Angiography
An angiograph is the most invasive of the three screening tests for peripheral arterial disease. The doctor injects a dye into your bloodstream. They can then watch the flow of blood using an X-ray or one of two procedures; a magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) or a computerized tomography angiography (CTA). Occasionally, the dye will be infused through a catheter that goes through the groin. This will allow the physician to diagnose and treat the arterial constriction at the same time.
